US$30 million in damages were awarded to Seton leather on May 25, against Lear in a case held in the eastern district of Michigan. The suit was originally filed on January 29, 2002, by Seton alleging that Lear had breached an agreement to purchase leather from Seton for seats for the life of the General Motors GMT 800 programme. Seton had sought up to $97 million in damages.
Lear’s senior vice president Daniel A Ninivaggi said of the decision: ‘We strongly disagree with the jury’s verdict and the damages award. We intend to challenge the verdict and if necessary, seek an appeal.’
